Core Keeper: Complete Automation & Conveyor Systems Guide
Transform your mining operations with advanced automation systems! Learn to design efficient conveyor networks, sorting facilities, and automated factories for maximum resource processing efficiency in Core Keeper.
Automation Fundamentals
Automation in Core Keeper allows you to create complex systems that process resources, transport materials, and craft items automatically. Mastering automation is key to late-game efficiency and massive resource production.
Core Automation Components
📦 Conveyor Belts
Basic transportation for moving items between machines and storage. Available in multiple speeds and directions.
🔀 Sorters & Filters
Intelligent devices that route specific items to different paths based on material type or other criteria.
🤖 Robotic Arms
Pick and place items between containers, machines, and conveyor belts with programmable logic.
⚡ Power Systems
Generators, batteries, and power lines that provide energy to automated machinery and systems.
Conveyor Belt Systems
Belt Types & Properties
| Belt Type | Speed | Capacity | Crafting Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Conveyor | Slow | 10 items/min | Iron ×2, Gear ×1 | Early game, low-volume transport |
| Fast Conveyor | Medium | 25 items/min | Steel ×3, Motor ×1 | Mid-game, moderate throughput |
| Express Conveyor | Fast | 60 items/min | Gold ×4, Circuit ×2 | Late game, high-volume systems |
| Vertical Lift | Medium | 15 items/min | Steel ×2, Gear ×2 | Multi-floor transport |
| Curved Belt | Varies | Matches base | Iron ×1, Gear ×1 | Direction changes, corners |
| Splitter Belt | Medium | 30 items/min | Steel ×2, Circuit ×1 | Dividing item streams |
Belt Layout Principles
- Main Line Design: Create central trunk lines with branches for specific destinations
- Item Flow: Ensure unidirectional flow to prevent congestion and backtracking
- Throughput Planning: Match belt speed to production rates to avoid bottlenecks
- Maintenance Access: Leave space for repairs and system modifications
- Expandability: Design systems that can be easily expanded as needs grow
Sorting & Filtering Systems
Sorter Types
🔤 Basic Sorter
Filters items by type (ore, gem, food, etc.). Simple but effective for general sorting.
🎯 Advanced Filter
Selects specific items (copper ore only, carrots only, etc.). Precise but complex to set up.
⚖️ Weight Sorter
Routes items based on weight (light items vs heavy ores). Useful for density-based separation.
🌈 Color Sorter
Separates gems and crystals by color. Essential for gem processing facilities.
Sorting Network Design
- Input Stage: Central collection point where all raw materials enter the system
- Primary Sorting: First-level sorters separate major categories (ores, gems, food, etc.)
- Secondary Sorting: Further refinement within each category (copper vs iron, ruby vs sapphire)
- Storage Routing: Sorted items directed to appropriate storage containers
- Processing Routing: Materials needed for crafting sent to production areas
Robotic Arms & Manipulators
Arm Types & Capabilities
| Arm Type | Reach | Speed | Capacity | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Arm | 3 tiles | Slow | 1 item | Simple pick/place, cheap to build |
| Fast Arm | 4 tiles | Medium | 1 item | Quick operations, moderate cost |
| Long Arm | 6 tiles | Slow | 1 item | Extended reach, useful for large facilities |
| Stacking Arm | 3 tiles | Medium | 5 items | Can move multiple items at once |
| Smart Arm | 4 tiles | Fast | 3 items | Programmable logic, conditional operations |
Arm Programming Logic
- Conditional Operations: "If container is full, move to alternative storage"
- Priority Systems: "Always process copper first, then iron"
- Timed Operations: "Move items every 30 seconds" or "Only operate during daylight"
- Resource Awareness: "Stop if destination is full" or "Wait if source is empty"
- Multi-Step Sequences: Complex workflows with multiple arms coordinating
Power Generation & Distribution
Power Source Types
⚙️ Manual Generator
Basic power from manual operation. Low output but available early game.
💧 Water Wheel
Renewable power from flowing water. Moderate output, requires specific placement.
🔥 Steam Engine
High power from burning fuel. Reliable but requires constant fuel supply.
⚡ Solar Panel
Clean energy from sunlight. Works only during day, affected by weather.
🌀 Wind Turbine
Variable power from wind. Unpredictable but works day and night.
🔋 Battery Bank
Energy storage for inconsistent power sources. Critical for solar/wind systems.
Power Grid Design
- Centralized vs Distributed: Single large plant vs multiple smaller sources
- Grid Stability: Ensure consistent power delivery to all machines
- Backup Systems: Redundant power sources for critical operations
- Load Management: Balance power consumption across different time periods
- Efficiency Optimization: Minimize power loss through proper wiring and planning
Factory Design Principles
Layout Strategies
🏭 Linear Production
Raw materials enter at one end, finished products exit at the other. Simple and efficient for straight-line processes.
🔄 Circular Flow
Materials circulate through processing stages in a loop. Excellent for complex multi-step crafting.
📊 Modular Design
Independent modules for each production step. Easy to expand and maintain.
🗺️ Zoned Facilities
Separate areas for mining, processing, crafting, and storage. Clear organization for large operations.
Advanced Automation Systems
Automated Mining Operations
- Drill Arrays: Automated mining drills feeding directly into conveyor systems
- Ore Processing: Crushers, smelters, and refiners in sequence
- Waste Management: Automatic disposal of stone and other byproducts
- Resource Detection: Automated scanning for new ore deposits
Automated Crafting Facilities
- Component Production: Automated creation of gears, circuits, and other parts
- Assembly Lines: Sequential crafting of complex items
- Quality Control: Automated testing and sorting of finished products
- Packaging & Storage: Automatic boxing and storage of completed items
Smart Storage Systems
- Automated Warehouses: Robotic retrieval and storage systems
- Inventory Management: Real-time tracking of all stored items
- Restocking Systems: Automatic reordering of low-stock materials
- Multi-Level Storage: Vertical storage solutions with elevator systems
Troubleshooting Automation Issues
❌ Conveyor Jams
Check for blockages, ensure proper belt speeds, add overflow buffers at busy intersections.
⚡ Power Failures
Monitor power consumption, add backup generators, implement circuit breakers for overload protection.
🔀 Sorting Errors
Verify filter settings, check for item misidentification, add secondary verification systems.
🤖 Arm Malfunctions
Check programming logic, verify target positions, ensure adequate power supply to robotic systems.
📦 Storage Overflows
Implement overflow channels, add emergency storage, create automated alert systems for full containers.
Multiplayer Automation Coordination
In multiplayer servers, large-scale automation requires careful planning and role assignment.
Team Specializations
- System Architect: Designs overall automation layout and flow
- Power Engineer: Manages power generation and distribution
- Conveyor Specialist: Installs and maintains belt systems
- Programming Expert: Configures robotic arms and smart systems
- Maintenance Crew: Performs repairs and system optimizations
Large-Scale Project Planning
- Needs Assessment: Determine what resources need automation
- Design Phase: Create blueprints for the entire system
- Resource Gathering: Collect all required materials before construction
- Phased Construction: Build in stages, testing each component
- Integration Testing: Ensure all systems work together smoothly
- Optimization Phase: Fine-tune for maximum efficiency
Pro Tip: Start small with basic automation systems and gradually expand as you master the mechanics. Always leave room for expansion and keep detailed blueprints of your designs for future reference!